The Wrestling Observer is reporting that WWE intends to keep CM Punk out of the ring for about another month. Floating particles in his elbow was causing it to lock up, and he recently underwent minor surgery to correct the issue.

Source: wrestlezone.com

The word at the SmackDown! tapings is that CM Punk had surgery on his arm last week.

Rumor has it that he will be out anywhere from 4-8 weeks. He had been working hurt for a few weeks at least. He came out wearing a sling at tonight’s SmackDown! taping.

No word on whether he’ll be off television during his recovery time.

Sources: pwinsider.com and pwmania.com

CM Punk won points with management for his effort in getting the crowd back into his WWE Over the Limit PPV match with Rey Mysterio after the bout was awkwardly halted so a trainer could treat his head wound. When the audience began to turn against the match, Punk called an audible by attacking Mysterio in an effort to get things back on track. It should be noted that Vince McMahon is very high on Punk these days.

Source: wrestlinginc.com (Thanks Marysefan4life for the tip!)

Toby Morse of H2O runs a website that’s dedicated to informing students about alternatives to drugs, One Life One Chance. He recently posted CM Punk’s testimonial on the site. The caption reads:

My good friend CM Punk is the first Straight Edge Professional Wrestler. Young kids are being inspired to live Drug Free because of him.

Punk discusses how he discovered the straight edge lifestyle and his dedication to staying drug free. He also discusses Toby’s goals for introducing people to the idea of a drug-free lifestyle. Head over to One Life One Chance to view the video.

Video Link:
One Life One Chance – CM Punk’s Testimonial

Gallery Links:
Screen Captures > Online Videos > One Life One Chance – CM Punk’s Testimonial
Pictures from other websites > WhatsEatingGilbert.com

CM Punk was hanging out with New Found Glory member Chad Gilbert this weekend and posted a photo on Gilbert’s Twitter with his thoughts on the social networking website. Punk’s caption read: "Twitter is for dorks."

Punk was visible at the NFG concert on Friday night in Chicago and towards the end, Gilbert gave a shout-out to Punk and said he had just been inducted into the Straight Edge Society.

Related Links:
Pictures from other websites > Twitter.com > Chad Gilbert’s Twitter

Sources: Chad Gilbert’s Twitter & LordsofPain.net

Darren Young’s WWE Pro: CM Punk

WWE NXT set to debut on Syfy

STAMFORD – World Wrestling Entertainment and Syfy today announced the next generation of reality television with the debut of WWE NXT, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Syfy.

WWE NXT is a hybrid live event/reality show featuring eight well-known, popular WWE Superstars mentoring eight WWE “Rookies.” These Rookies, who are learning the ropes, are athletes who epitomize pop culture and personify strong attributes – they are opinionated and aggressive – which means inherent conflict between Rookies and other Rookies, conflict between Rookies and Pros, as well as, conflict between Pros and Pros. The trials and tribulations of the WWE NXT cast ensure action-packed, innovative entertainment – WWE Style.

“Once again, WWE will bring something entirely new to the television landscape as WWE meets reality TV,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO, World Wrestling Entertainment. “As we introduce this brand new franchise exclusively on Syfy, WWE NXT will have a completely different look and feel from our other WWE television programming.”

“Syfy is excited to continue our partnership with WWE, Vince and his team with this innovative live event/reality show,” said Syfy President Dave Howe. “This is a unique combination of heart-stopping entertainment and gritty behind-the-scenes reality. The NXT Rookies take the challenge of our new tagline ‘Imagine Greater’ to heart as they embark on their ultimate dream quest to be the next generation of revered heroes and champions in the fantastic arena of the WWE.”

Related Links:
WWE NXT Rookies and their WWE Pros

WWE & Mattel: World champions team up
Written: January 1, 2010

Make room for your new collection. Two of the world’s heavyweight champions – World Wrestling Entertainment and Mattel – have come together to craft the greatest WWE action figures in the history of the WWE Universe.

This powerful partnership has perfectly captured the ring’s biggest, most prolific names, compounding the likes of The Undertaker, John Cena, Triple H and so many more into life-like and play-worthy plastic replicas.

The new year and decade commence with the biggest launch in Mattel’s 65-year toy-making legacy, bringing forth elaborate detail the likes of which have never been seen before in WWE action figure history. From the heavy detailed, intricate aspects of Rey Mysterio’s signature mask and CM Punk’s tattooed torso in Mattel’s Elite Series, to Kofi Kingston’s brilliantly colored gear and Evan Bourne’s kick pads in the Basic Series line, these figures boast the most authentic ring attire ever.

To stunning detail, the Superstars and Divas are in your hands, allowing you to bring home the action and recreate the greatest WWE moments ever witnessed or make your own dream match-ups come to (ever-so-close-to-real) life.

It’s the dawning of a new day and WWE.com is your portal to this genesis of WWE toys. In addition to extensive figure photo galleries, series info and a Mattel-exclusive Kids’ Corner mini-site, WWE.com will also offer inside access to these extraordinary toys in original features, interviews and much more.

And it’s just the beginning.

Stay logged on to WWE.com for details on future toy releases and get the complete WWE Mattel action figure experience. And be sure to head to WWEShop.com now to get these figures while they last.

Related Links:
Digitals > Other > WWE & Mattel: Elite Series Photos

WWE Comics can reveal the line-up of wrestlers set to appear in WWE Heroes, launching March 2010. The flagship series will feature worldwide stars Triple H, Undertaker, Randy Orton, Batista, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, John Cena, CM Punk, Kane, Edge, Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Carlito, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Kelly Kelly, and WWE owner Vince McMahon.

Issue #1 will reveal an eternal rivalry set against the backdrop of the history of WWE and will pose some tantalising questions. Why is the ruthless Shadow King so obsessed with the WWE? What is the reason for his eternal and supernatural war with the Firstborn? Could his ancient opponent really be a member of the WWE roster?

WWE Heroes editor Ned Hartley had this to say to expectant WWE fans:

We’ve got some truly amazing stories to tell – our first issue is going to blow you away! The “in-your-face, no-holds-barred” attitude of the WWE works so well as a comic, we just can’t wait for people to see the great surprises that we’ve got in store!

We’ll bring you more news on issue #1 as the magic date of the WWE Comics launch gets ever closer. In case it’s not etched into your brain already, that’s March 23, 2010 people!

Source: wwecomics.com